
Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers
Peru, south-america
18.3 km
4,370 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laguna Pumacocha, a breathtaking lagoon chilling way up high in the Peruvian Andes, in the Yauyos Province of the Lima Region. I'm talking 4,370m (14,337ft) high!
This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road, if you can call it that, is totally unpaved and barely wide enough for one car. Hope you don't mind getting cozy with the mountain! We're topping out at a whopping 4,920m (16,141ft), so be prepared for that thin mountain air.
But trust me, the views are worth it. Think shimmering glacial lakes and dramatic mountain scenery at every turn. The whole area is gorgeous. The adventure begins near Huancapallca, and it's a 18.3 km (11.37 miles) climb to the top. Get ready for a wild ride!
Where is it?
Laguna Pumacocha: this road is not for timid drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -6.7525, -75.7660
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 18.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,370 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -6.7525, -75.7660
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